CMW 2012 Profile: Bravestation

For a band about to release a first full-length album, Toronto’s Bravestation have already found themselves sharing the stages with some prominent names, including all of the great Y-named bands like Young Empires and Yacht. They have just released a new single, “Signs of the Civilized,” that has taken their genre-defying sound to new heights. In preparation for their CMW show (8:30 p.m. Saturday at Horseshoe), guitarist Derek Wilson—with Devin, one half of the group’s formidable brother tandem—found time to answer our questions.Torontoist: Why should we see you at CMW?

Derek Wilson: We’re finally playing new songs from our upcoming album, and we’ll even throw in a performance by Wintersleep as part of the deal if you come and watch our set.

What’s your favourite Toronto venue, and why?

Horseshoe Tavern is legendary, for sure. But we also really enjoy playing Wrongbar, it has a great layout and vibe.

What’s your preference: indoor or outdoor venues?

Indoor venues are usually more intimate, and shows in them take place at night. Everything good happens at night.

What’s your preference: giant music festivals, or single shows?

I’ll have to take a rain check on this question since we’ve yet to experience SxSW, Coachella, or Osheaga.

Any advice for CMW-goers?

Find the parties with free booze and soak in as many performances, venues, and panels as possible.

What’s your favourite moment in a concert you’ve played so far?

Our encore performance of “As We Rest” in Ottawa at Ritual where members of Young Empires joined us on stage while our friends, fans, and family sang along to every word was magical, for us.

What’s happening for the band after CMW?

We’re releasing videos/short films for two new songs entitled “Signs of the Civilized” and “Western Thrills,” with an album surfacing shortly thereafter.